I was up too late last night again, but I was laughing and talking politics and kids and other good stuff on the phone and so it felt good and fun and worth the hours that slipped away from my sleep. And when I got off the phone to finally go to bed, I did what I do on most nights just before I turn off all the lights, wash my face, get a glass of water and check in on the boy one last time -- I breezed through my email, Twitter, Facebook.

My calm came to halt when I saw a post from the daughter of a friend asking for prayers for her mother - a young, vibrant, busy, amazing woman - who suffered a stroke yesterday. This friend has, without hesitation and with the kind of heart most people are afraid to reveal, supported my family during the toughest of timesand during this past year. I still have a calendar of Maya Angelou quotes and a beautiful votive candle with a sweet, spiritual quote inscribed on it that she sent when my brother was unconscious and we were all very scared about what would come in the hours and days and weeks to follow.

I lit that candle last night for my friend. Once a single mother herself, she's now the mother and stepmother of nine kids. She is kind and honest and so close to my own age that I had a moment of panic all parents have at all the unexpected things that can and do happen. I also know this woman is strong in body and spirit and faith, which I hope will reassure the many family members and friends I am sure are surrounding her today.

I believe - no, honestly, I have felt - the healing power of putting warm, positive energy into the universe. Whether you prayer or send up a good thought or meditate, will you please join me centering on this friend today? That her doctors and caregivers will be guided, her family will feel some peace and rest, and that she will get whatever it is she needs today to make her way back.